How to Fix PDF Printing Problems on Mac Using Print as Image
Question details
The user is unable to successfully print a PDF document on macOS and needs to use the print as image workaround.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / PDF Viewer
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a PDF document that contains complex, corrupted, or damaged graphical elements.
- Observed behavior
- The PDF fails to print correctly because the printer cannot process the embedded fonts, damaged images, or transparency layers.
Ensure that your Mac is connected to the printer, the printer queue is not paused, and you have updated your printer drivers to rule out basic connection issues.
Use the 'Print as Image' Feature in Acrobat
Rasterizing the document as a flat image bypasses complex PDF processing errors caused by damaged fonts or transparencies.
When a PDF contains damaged content such as broken fonts or complex transparent layers, standard printing methods may fail. Printing the PDF as an image sends a simple rasterized picture of the document to the printer, completely bypassing the problematic code.
Launch Adobe Acrobat on your Mac and open the problematic PDF document.
Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'File', and select 'Print' to open the print dialog box.
Click on the 'Advanced' button located near the top of the print dialog window.
Check the box next to 'Print As Image'. If available, adjust the resolution (DPI) setting to a higher number to maintain text clarity.
Click 'OK' to close the Advanced settings, then click 'Print' to send the rasterized image to your printer.
Print Complex PDFs Flawlessly with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter PDF printing errors on Mac, WPS Office provides a robust, built-in PDF reader that processes complex documents effortlessly, ensuring smooth printing and high compatibility.
- 1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac, select the PDF tab, and open the document you wish to print.
- 2. Access the Print Menu: Click the 'Print' icon on the top toolbar or press Command + P on your keyboard.
- 3. Configure and Print: Review your page range and scaling settings in the print dialogue box, select your printer, and click 'Print'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some PDFs fail to print correctly on a Mac?
PDFs often fail to print if they contain damaged fonts, corrupted images, or complex transparent layers that the printer's memory cannot process using standard PostScript commands.
Does printing a PDF as an image use more ink?
No, printing as an image does not inherently use more ink. However, it sends a much larger file size to the printer, which may take slightly longer for your Mac and printer to process.
How do I make the text sharper when printing a PDF as an image?
In the Advanced print settings where you select 'Print as Image', look for a resolution or DPI (Dots Per Inch) option. Selecting a higher DPI, such as 300 or 600, will result in noticeably sharper text and graphics.
